Instead of getting on your toes, using the jab, slipping, you try to thrash your way out of trouble, a technique that rarely bears fruit at the highest level.

These days he is using his intelligence to think his way through fights. The Breidis Prescott bout is a great example.

Tonight at Upton Park his reward is a first world title shot against Michael Katsidis for the WBO lightweight belt.

Katsidis (below) is a fighter I love to watch, pure excitement. He comes forward, throws punches from all angles and is brilliant with his opponent up against the ropes.

This is the one place Mitchell does not want to be tonight. The fight will be won at distance, throwing the jab effectively, t w o , t h r e e -p u n c h combinations at most early, always taking the centre of the ring.

Against Prescott he allowed himself to get backed up. That was not too damaging because the C o l o m b i a n tends to lunge into punches then stop.

Katsidis won't do that. He fires off bombs to the body and head and won't let go.

Tibbs is a terrific tactician. He will have primed Mitchell to counter that happening.

Katsidis shows back-toback defeats on his record, though only against Joel Casamayor was he beaten in the eyes of most. Casamayor won Olympic gold for Cuba. He was a great world champion and had Katsidis out in the 10th.

Mitchell is meeting Katsidis at the right time. Because of his style he takes a lot of shots and has probably collected one too many right hands.

He is still a test but I take Mitchell to win by a wide points margin or maybe a late stoppage.

Khan would love to get Malignaggi out early. I can't see that. Khan on points for me.